According to Haggai 2:9, God promises that the latter glory will surpass the former. However, for us to fully tap into this promise, it is essential that we understand what the phrase “latter glory” means.
May 3rd, 2026, marked the crescendo of our seventh anniversary at RCCG Grace Tabernacle Chicago. As we celebrated at our Thanksgiving Service, our guest speaker, Pastor Pitan Adeboye, preached on “Latter Glory.” There are so many lessons to draw from this sermon, and in this post, we will share some that stood out. Want to find out more? Keep reading.
Anniversary Thanksgiving Sermon: Latter Glory
On the first Sunday of May of 2026, RCCG Grace Tabernacle Chicago had the Thanksgiving Service to wrap up our Seventh Anniversary. Our guest speaker, Pastor Pitan Adeboye, focused on Latter Glory. The central theme of the sermon was clear: God’s glory transforms shame into joy and sorrow into strength.
Pastor Adeboye reminded us that the presence of God is transformative. When God dwells in His house, His glory shines and overwhelms any darkness, bringing hope and renewal to His people (John 1:5).
Here are some important lessons from this powerful sermon by Pastor Pitan Adeboye:
1. Holiness as the Pathway to Glory
Holiness is not optional. 1 Peter 1:16 mentions that we must be holy as our Father is holy. This just shows that holiness is non-negotiable, and it is the foundation for experiencing God’s latter glory. Pastor Adeboye emphasized that, as believers, when we live in purity and obedience, we create an atmosphere in which God’s presence can dwell richly. Without holiness, the glory of God cannot be sustained.
Practical Application:
- Guard your heart against compromise.
- Make daily choices that honor God.
- Pursue righteousness in both private and public life.
2. The Power of Prayer
Prayer is the lifeline of every believer. The sermon highlighted that prayer helps us to attract God’s glory into our lives and situations. Prayer is an act that allows us to call on God, and when we do, He answers us (Jeremiah 33:3). As He answers us, He reveals His glory in our lives. Through prayer, we align ourselves with God’s will and open the door for His miraculous intervention.
Practical Application:
- Set aside consistent time for personal prayer.
- Engage in corporate prayer with the church community.
- Pray with expectation, knowing that God answers.
3. True Worship Brings God’s Presence
Worship goes beyond just singing melodious songs to God. It is a posture of total surrender to Him. Pastor Adeboye reminded us that true worship ushers in God’s glory. This is because it shifts our focus from ourselves and current situations to Him. God is seeking people who will worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). When we worship with this mindset and in this posture, God inhabits our praises.
Practical Application:
- Worship with sincerity, not routine.
- Let worship flow from gratitude and reverence.
- Use worship as a weapon against discouragement.
4. The Word of God Sustains Glory
The Word of God is the foundation upon which everything we see today was built. In John 1:1, we can see the importance of the Word, as this verse explains that Jesus Christ is the Word. When you view the scriptures from this perspective, you will realize that the Bible is not just a book. It is the living Word of God, and this Word holds the power to sustain God’s presence in our lives. We must meditate on the Scripture daily. This way, we are equipped to walk in victory daily while remaining in God’s glory.
Practical Application:
- Read Scripture daily with intentionality.
- Memorize key verses that strengthen your faith.
- Apply biblical principles in everyday decisions.
5. Unity Invites God’s Dwelling
Finally, the message stressed the importance of unity among believers. One of the keys to thriving as believers and enjoying the latter glory is unity. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1 [NKJV]). Division hinders us from accessing and enjoying God’s glory. However, when we live in unity, we create an environment where His presence can dwell. As the body of Christ, we are called to love one another and walk in harmony.
Practical Application:
- Build bridges, not walls, within the church.
- Celebrate diversity in the body of Christ.
- Resolve conflicts quickly and with humility.
Reflection on 7 Years of Grace
The anniversary celebration was not just about looking back—it was about looking forward. RCCG Grace Tabernacle Chicago has seen God’s faithfulness over the past seven years, and the message, “Latter Glory,” was a prophetic reminder that the best is yet to come. As the church continues to grow, the call is to remain steadfast in holiness, prayer, worship, the Word, and unity.
Conclusion
The sermon on Latter Glory was a timely word for RCCG Grace Tabernacle, Chicago, and for every believer seeking a deeper encounter with God. It reminded us that His glory is not a distant promise but a present reality available to those who walk faithfully with Him. As we carry these lessons into our daily lives, may we experience the fullness of God’s glory in every area, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
To watch the full sermon and relive the anniversary celebration, click here. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch other inspirational sermons and join our service live streams. Are you in Chicago? You can fellowship with us at 1201 W 115th St, Chicago, IL 60643. We look forward to worshipping with you.
